Colombo, 01 September 2026 – The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka has officially announced the filling of a vacancy in the Thunukkai Pradeshiya Sabha, with Mr. Sanmukarasa Mohanathasan declared elected as a new member. The appointment was confirmed through Gazette Extraordinary No. 2503/16, issued by the Election Commission on August 26, 2026.
Vacancy Arises from Resignation
The position in the Thunukkai Pradeshiya Sabha, a local government body, became vacant following the resignation of Mr. Manokaran Piratheepan. Mr. Piratheepan had previously represented the Sri Lanka Labour Party within the Sabha.
In accordance with Section 66A(1)(b) of the Local Authorities Elections Ordinance (Chapter 262), the Returning Officer for the Thunukkai Pradeshiya Sabha formally requested the Secretary of the Sri Lanka Labour Party to nominate a suitable candidate to fill the vacant seat. The Ordinance mandates that such a candidate must belong to the party and not be disqualified under Section 9 of the same legislation, with the decision to be communicated within thirty days.
Official Declaration and Appointment
Responding to this requirement, the Secretary of the Sri Lanka Labour Party communicated their decision to nominate Mr. Sanmukarasa Mohanathasan to the vacant position.
Consequently, Mr. Velautham Sivarajah, the Returning Officer for the Thunukkai Pradeshiya Sabha, acting under the powers vested in him by Section 66A(1)(b) of the Local Authorities Elections Ordinance, officially declared Mr. Sanmukarasa Mohanathasan as elected to the Thunukkai Pradeshiya Sabha. The declaration was made from the District Elections Office in Mullaitivu on August 25, 2026, and subsequently gazetted on August 26, 2026.
This swift and orderly process ensures the continuous functioning of local governance in the Thunukkai area, located within the Mullaitivu District. Mr. Mohanathasan’s appointment is effective immediately, allowing the Pradeshiya Sabha to maintain its full complement of members and continue its work for the community.
Source: Read original document